Supporting young entrepreneurs' sustainability goals

Gallagher was born out of an innovative an entrepreneurial vision. We continue to recognise and celebrate those same traits today, which is why we’re proud to support Young Enterprise Scheme (YES). YES is an opportunity for students to unleash their inner entrepreneur and experience the start-up world first hand. It is an experiential programme where students in Year 12 and 13 (16 to 18 years old) set up and run a real business. This year, one group caught our attention, and we wanted to share the good they’re doing for their community.

Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, and the second largest in Oceania, is known as the adventure capital of the North Island, offering a wide array of activities, including world class fishing and boating. One of those activities is clay bird shooting: popular with corporate groups, stag and hen groups, and birthdays.

All fun aside, the clay targets aren’t actually made from clay – instead, they consist of a variety of toxic ingredients, including petroleum resin! With thousands of clay targets being shot every week on and around Lake Taupo, marine life is suffering, and local iwi have become increasingly concerned for the environment.

They put out a call for help, and four Year 11 students from Taupo-nui-a-Tia College put their heads together to find a solution. Thus, Flying Left was born – consisting of Nicholas Steed, Nathaniel Higgins, Harry Febery, and Lilliah Wade.

The group have invented an alternative clay shooting target which is completely biodegradable and environmentally friendly – something that is unmatched in the current market. Their targets have been specifically designed to dissolve in the water and become a part of lake or riverbeds and can be used on land like a standard clay target.

They are also much sturdier when compared with competitor products, meaning they are much safer during transit and handling (a huge problem with the current clay target market is their tendency to break before use). And of course, their product is produced locally in New Zealand, while other popular brands have to be imported.

“As a company, we are focused on sustainability and the improvement of the amazing lake that we rely on,” the group says.

“Our goal is to replace the petroleum resin targets that are used in Lake Taupo with our own, and our vision is of a lake free from these destructive targets and the pollution they emit. Our product will change the landscape of clay targets.”

Gemma Sangster and Alison Cook, the group’s teachers, say they’re incredibly proud of the students for making a change. “[Flying Left] was conceived in their own personal time, and as students can earn NCEA credit through YES, we thought it was a great opportunity for them to take part.”

“They’ve been able to continue developing their product while receiving the support, mentorship, and recognition they deserve.” Miss Sangster says.

Flying Left is currently working on an IP agreement, and they’re looking to partner with local businesses to help get their product into large-scale production.

Two local clay bird shooting businesses have already expressed their interest in using the product once it’s ready for sale – something the students say is exciting. “We’ve put in a lot of hard work inside and outside of school, and it’s great to see our idea come to life and be recognised for it.”

As a global company ambitious about sustainability and leading the way, we love what Flying Left are doing, and can wait to see how they do at the Young Enterprise Scheme end-of-year awards.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Flying Left, you can get in touch with them at flyinglefttaupo@gmail.com.